Murder trial begins for self-described Juggalos

Wednesday

Sep 14, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Attorneys for two men charged in the brutal first-degree murder and robbery of a third in Price Township say there is reasonable doubt of the accused being the ones who committed the crime and that police should have looked at other suspects.

ANDREW SCOTT

Attorneys for two men charged in the brutal first-degree murder and robbery of a third in Price Township say there is reasonable doubt of the accused being the ones who committed the crime and that police should have looked at other suspects.

The trial began Tuesday and continues today for Ian Seagraves, 19, and Shawn Freemore, 21, both of Cresco. Both reportedly identify themselves as Juggalos, a subculture viewed by some as a violent gang.

U.S. Army veteran and East Stroudsburg Crime Watch member Michael Goucher, 21, was last seen on Feb. 3, 2009, after saying he was going to visit a friend, and reported missing. Goucher's body was found Feb. 11 in a wooded area near Cresco, about a quarter mile from where his abandoned car had been discovered on Snow Hill Road.

Based on evidence and statements gathered, police believe Gouger, who was gay, had met Freemore in an online chat room and gone to meet him at a Price Township location where the two had planned to have sex.

Police believe Goucher arrived at that location to meet Freemore and that Freemore then lured him to a spot where Seagraves was waiting. Police believe both men then stabbed and slashed Goucher 45 times, took items from his person and left his body covered with snow in the woods.

Goucher had lived with his aunt and uncle, Mary and William Searfoss of East Stroudsburg, while in high school.

Suggesting someone other than the accused killed Goucher, attorney Robin Spishock for Freemore asked William Searfoss if he knew whether Goucher dated anyone, male or female, either in high school or after the Army. Searfoss said he didn't know and that Goucher never brought home any dates.

Goucher didn't broadcast or hide his homosexuality and never complained about being mistreated over it, Searfoss said.

Attorney Joseph D'Andrea for Seagraves asked Searfoss if he knew whether Goucher had many one-night stands, to which First Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso raised an objection sustained by President Judge Ronald Vican. Searfoss said Goucher wanted to be in a steady relationship.

After Goucher's car was found, Stroud Area Regional Police Detective Douglas Knowles accessed Goucher's MySpace page and saw a Cresco male later identified as Freemore as one of 13 friends on that page.

The defense asked if police were ever interested in any of the other 12, to which Knowles said "no."